The HP Omen 35L for 2026 may be gaming-focused, but it delivers for creatives too

HP's latest offering, the Omen 35L, is a powerful desktop gaming PC that also caters to the needs of creative professionals. Featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and the GeForce 5070Ti GPU, this machine is designed to handle demanding tasks such as video editing, AI applications, and high-end gaming. While the Omen 35L is positioned in the premium segment of the market, it remains more affordable compared to some high-end laptops, making it an attractive option for users seeking performance without the portability.

Design and Build

The Omen 35L sports a new black case, a departure from the previous white model that housed an Intel processor. The compact tower design remains liquid-cooled and features two visible front case fans with customizable RGB lighting. This aesthetic choice not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows users to monitor the cooling system's performance. The side window provides a glimpse into the internal components, showcasing the CPU cooling pump and RAM sticks, while the GPU is housed in a support structure that utilizes white lighting.

Connectivity options on the Omen 35L are extensive, including four USB2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, and audio jacks. However, the maximum data transfer speed is capped at 10Gbps, which may not satisfy users looking for the latest in connectivity technology. The system does offer Wi-Fi 7, ensuring a robust wireless connection.

The internal cooling system is efficient, featuring a 240mm radiator and two exhaust fans that maintain a quiet operation even under load. However, users should be cautious about placing items on top of the PC to avoid overheating issues. The Omen 35L is built on the AM5 platform, allowing for future CPU upgrades, although it has only two RAM slots, which may necessitate a complete upgrade kit for users looking to expand beyond 32GB of memory.

Performance Analysis

To evaluate the Omen 35L’s performance, a suite of benchmarking tests was employed, including Geekbench, Cinebench, and UL Procyon. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D's unique cache architecture enhances its performance in both gaming and creative applications. This CPU design allows for reduced memory latency, which is beneficial for tasks like photo editing and coding. In comparative benchmarks, the 9800X3D outperformed its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 9700X, by approximately 14%, indicating that the additional cache indeed contributes to improved processing capabilities.

The GPU, with its 16GB of GDDR7 memory, plays a significant role in the Omen 35L's overall performance. It excels in 1440p and 4K gaming, as well as in creative applications. Notably, it achieved impressive results in Topaz Video AI, surpassing even the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, despite the latter being a more expensive portable option. While the Omen 35L's performance in Cinebench was slightly behind the Razer Blade 18, it still demonstrated remarkable capabilities, especially considering its lower price point.

At a price of £2599.99 or $3,199.99, the Omen 35L is a significant investment. However, when compared to similarly priced laptops, it offers superior performance for creative tasks and gaming. For users who do not require portability, this desktop PC presents a compelling value proposition.

Why it matters

The HP Omen 35L exemplifies the convergence of gaming and creative computing, providing a robust platform that meets the demands of both gamers and professionals. As the lines between gaming and creative work continue to blur, devices like the Omen 35L demonstrate that high-performance components such as powerful CPUs and GPUs are essential for a variety of applications, from video editing to 3D rendering.

For creators, the advantages of using a machine designed with gaming in mind are clear. The latest hardware not only enhances gaming experiences but also accelerates workflows in creative software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Blender. While the cost may be a consideration, the performance benefits could justify the investment for serious creators.

In summary, the HP Omen 35L is a versatile machine that caters to both gamers and creatives alike. Its combination of powerful components, efficient cooling, and thoughtful design make it a worthy contender in the desktop market, particularly for those seeking a capable workstation without the constraints of portability.